Leprecan'ts Win Pot O' Cash!

The rainbow-themed, kid-friendly, fire-breathing float entered by Thurston Sumner and his merry band of Leprecan'ts won the prize (there's only one), but everyone had a great time at the celebration hosted by the O'Bar. 

"Two families came together for the green movement, the Sumners [who own a house on Howard Street] and the Bowmans from Shenandoah County," Thurston said. "Sneaky leprechauns Eliana and Payce made there way into the tomfoolery as a great addition!" 

The Leprecan'ts plan to donate a portion of their winnings ($550 cash) to Ocracoke School, to OVFD, and towards the Howard Street road improvement efforts. (Howard Street is maintained by the residents, who pitch in time, money, and effort to grade and gravel it.)

Thurston's wife, Susan, Told me he calls the smoke-stack contraption that blows flames the "smile-maker." Halloween revelers might recall Thurston blasting it for anyone brave enough to venture down Howard Street that night. 

Ocracoke Bar and Grille owners Sean and Laurie Death sponsored the event for the second year in a row. Like last year, the parade began at their other business, Ocracoke Station, and made its way down Hwy. 12, led by a real-life leprechaun. This year, it circled 'round and delighted spectators twice. Then all crowded into the O'Bar for green beer, corned beer & cabbage, and the announcement of the big prize. 

Greg Honeycutt is a big fan of the event. "This is lots of fun, and there's twice as many floats as last year. It's going to continue to grow!" he said.

"We're really pleased with the turn-out this year for sure," said Sean. "And we appreciate the community for being open. So many people were in the bar the night before saying that they came to the island just for this event."

Sean noted that next year St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, and he expects it to be an even bigger and more fun event.

"We encourage other businesses to promote themselves, even inside the O'Bar," Sean said. "Last year the Pub handed out frisbees and cups and that was great – I'm hoping businesses will pass out paraphernalia or put their restaurant menus in the O'Bar for visitors. We want people to know all there is to do on Ocracoke."

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